asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals the Government have to allow Irish citizens living in other EEC countries to vote in the forthcoming election of Irish members to the European Parliament.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Parliament Elections.
20.
In accordance with the European Assembly Elections Act, 1977, the persons entitled to vote at elections to the European Parliament are Irish citizens and nationals of other EEC member states who, in either case, are ordinarily resident here and have reached the age of 18 years. There are no specific proposals for amendment of these provisions at present. However, this is without prejudice to the outcome of the review of the general question of postal voting provisions which is being conducted at present.
Is the Minister aware of a resolution passed by the European Parliament on Thursday, 15 December 1983 calling on member states whose nationals constitute the Community's citizens either to introduce postal voting rights for their nationals permanently resident in another state or to make arrangements with the other State whereby the nationals may elect candidates of their country of origin at polling stations set up in diplomatic or consular missions under their responsibility? Does the Minister intend to follow up the call from the European Parliament by enacting legislation in time for the forthcoming European elections to allow emigrants living in other EEC countries to vote in our elections?
At present I am looking at the review in regard to postal voting and the suggestions made by the Deputy can be considered. I have told him the factual position.
Is the Minister aware that this House debated the report on the extension of the postal vote many months ago? This was brought before the House on the understanding that the Government intended to look at it as a matter of urgency. We, on this side of the House, accepted the Government's good faith and willingly participated in that debate; but, unfortunately, we have not seen any results since. Is it intended to bring forward legislation which will extend the postal voting to categories which are not covered at present, as was discussed at great length by Deputies on all sides of the House during the course of that debate many months ago?
A memorandum is prepared in my Department and I will be putting it before the Government in the next week or so. I hope then to be in a position to bring forward legislation if the Government so decide.
Is it the Minister's intention to ignore the request from the European Parliament, or does he see any significance in that request?
Requests from the European Parliament are always considered and this request will be considered in the context of the memorandum which is being brought before the Government.